John Rhys-Davies, the Welsh actor who played Gimli in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, will appear in Bulgaria for the first time at Aniventure Comic Con 2026 this July.

The event takes place at the Inter Expo Center in Sofia across 11 and 12 July. Organisers confirmed thousands of visitors are expected across the weekend.

Guest Lineup

Rhys-Davies will hold a main-stage panel in Hall 1 on Sunday 12 July, where he will discuss his long career in film and television. MEET & GREET ticket holders can attend autograph sessions and photo opportunities with the actor.

According to the event announcement, his career spans more than 200 film and television productions, including major roles as Sallah in the Indiana Jones franchise. The organisers state he has received a Screen Actors Guild Award win, additional nominations, and an Emmy nomination. These claims come from the event organisers and have not been independently verified for this article.

Christopher Judge, known for portraying Teal'c in Stargate SG-1 and voicing Kratos in the God of War video game series, is also confirmed as a guest.

Wynter Phoenix, a Swiss cosplay artist recognised across Europe for detailed costume design, will appear as part of the jury and meet attendees.

Programme

The two-day festival brings together fans of comics, anime, manga, gaming, cosplay, and digital art. The programme includes competitions, live performances, tournaments, and fan engagement events with artists, influencers, and entertainment personalities.

The cosplay contest remains one of the central highlights, with Bulgarian and international participants already registered. Additional competitions cover K-pop performances, anime music videos, manga, and visual art, alongside qualification events linked to international cosplay championships.

Tickets and Practical Details

Tickets for the 2026 edition are available through official sales platforms and partner networks across Bulgaria:

  • comiccon.bg
  • Eventim network locations throughout the country
  • OMV petrol stations

Options include two-day passes, VIP-style ULTRA tickets, and MEET & GREET packages. Ticket availability and pricing are subject to change, so readers planning to attend should check the official site regularly for current information.

The event announcement did not include detailed information about security arrangements or health protocols for the large expected attendance. British expats planning to attend should contact the organisers directly through the official website for the latest guidance on safety measures and crowd management.

The festival is held with support from major sponsors and media partners, contributing to its position as one of the largest pop culture events in the region.

What This Means for British Expats

British fans of fantasy cinema, gaming, and cosplay living in Bulgaria have a rare opportunity to meet one of the genre's most recognisable actors without travelling back to the UK. Rhys-Davies has rarely appeared at Eastern European conventions, making this a notable booking for the region.

For British expats considering travel from elsewhere in Bulgaria, Sofia is accessible by road and rail. The Inter Expo Center is located in the capital's exhibition district, easily reachable by public transport.

Brits visiting from the UK should verify current travel requirements before booking. As of May 2026, British citizens do not require a visa for short stays in Bulgaria. Direct flights from London to Sofia typically take around three hours. Readers should check with official UK government travel advice and Bulgarian embassy guidance for any changes to entry requirements.

The presence of major international guests like Rhys-Davies reflects Bulgaria's growing position on the European pop culture circuit, offering British expats access to events that previously required travel to Western Europe.